The Statue of Decebalus from the Danube Delta
The statue of Decebalus, located in the Danube Delta, is a remarkable piece of ancient sculpture that has captured the attention of historians, archeologists, and tourists alike. Standing at 40 meters tall, it is the tallest rock sculpture in Europe, and it has become an iconic symbol of Romanian history and culture. In this article, we will explore the story behind the statue of Decebalus, its historical significance, and its impact on Romanian tourism.
Introduction
The statue of Decebalus is a massive rock sculpture that stands on the banks of the Danube River, in Romania. It is the largest rock sculpture in Europe and has become a symbol of Romania's cultural and historical heritage. The statue depicts Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, a kingdom that existed in the territory of present-day Romania during the first century AD. In this article, we will explore the history of Decebalus, the construction of the statue, its symbolism, and its impact on Romanian tourism.
In this spectacular place we finde carved the face of the last Dacian king, Decebalus. 12 people worked on this bas-relief for 10 years, between 1994 and 2004. The conditions in which these sculptors-climbers were difficult, full of dangers because the access to the base of the rock could only be done on water, lack of heavy equipment usage (all necessary being transported manually) and the area is inhabited by vipers (venomous snake genus). The period of the year in which the works took place lasted from March to October. The idea belonged to a Romanian businessman who financed this grandiose project with over one million dollars.
The location of the statue of DECEBAL on the Danube River
The Danube boilers and the Ciucarul Mare / Ciucarul Mic massifs are part of the Porțile de Fier Natural Park.
The History of Decebalus
Decebalus was the last king of Dacia, a kingdom that existed in the present-day territory of Romania during the first century AD. He ruled from 87 AD to 106 AD and was known for his resistance to Roman rule. During his reign, he fought three wars against the Romans, and even though he was ultimately defeated, he became a symbol of resistance to foreign oppression.
let me tell you a little bit about the construction of DECEBAL statue, on the Danube river, at the Iron Gates!
The Construction of the Statue
The construction of the statue of Decebalus began in 1994 and was completed in 2004. It was built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube River, near the town of Orsova. The statue was carved out of a rock cliff by a team of Romanian and Serbian sculptors using dynamite, chisels, and hammers. It stands at 40 meters tall, making it the tallest rock sculpture in Europe.
Symbolism of the Statue
The statue of Decebalus is full of symbolism. Its location overlooking the Danube River is significant, as it represents the defense of the Dacian kingdom against foreign invaders. The statue's imagery, including Decebalus' beard, long hair, and prominent nose, is believed to be an accurate representation of the king. The statue also features a Latin inscription that reads "DECEBALUS REX - DRAGAN FELIX," which means "King Decebalus - DRAGAN HAPPY."
Guess who paid for this turistic attraction?
By the way , let me tell you more about this amazing tourist attraction that you can find at the end of the Danube....
By that I mean the Danube Delta!
Now lets get bakc to the statue of Decebalus from Cazanele, at the
The Impact on Romanian Tourism
The statue of Decebalus has had a significant impact on Romanian tourism. It has become one of the country's most
popular tourist attractions, drawing visitors from all over the world. The statue's location near the Danube River has also contributed to the growth of river tourism in the region. Tourists can take a boat tour of the river and get a closer look at the statue. The area around the statue has been developed to accommodate visitors, with facilities such as restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.
The statue has also had a significant impact on the perception of Romania. For many years, Romania was associated with negative stereotypes and was often overlooked as a tourist destination. However, the statue of Decebalus has changed this perception, putting Romania on the map as a must-see destination for history and culture enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the statue of Decebalus is a remarkable piece of ancient sculpture that has captured the attention of people all over the world. Its historical significance, symbolism, and impact on Romanian tourism make it a fascinating subject of study. The statue is a testament to the enduring legacy of Decebalus and his role in Romanian history. As one of the largest and most impressive rock sculptures in Europe, it is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and the arts.
FAQ
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Who funded the construction of the statue? The statue of Decebalus was privately funded by a Romanian businessman named Iosif Constantin Dragan.
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How long did it take to construct the statue? The construction of the statue of Decebalus took a total of 10 years, from 1994 to 2004.
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Are there any myths or legends associated with the statue? There are no specific myths or legends associated with the statue of Decebalus, but the king himself is often depicted in folklore as a hero and a symbol of resistance against foreign invaders.
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Can tourists climb the statue? No, tourists are not allowed to climb the statue for safety reasons. However, there are viewing platforms and boat tours that allow visitors to get a closer look at the statue.
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What is the best time of year to visit the statue? The best time of year to visit the statue of Decebalus is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is warm and the Danube River is at its calmest. However, visitors should be aware that the area around the statue can get crowded during peak tourist season.
But to be more precise...in our boat tours ( short or full day) you can discover all the important types of birds that live in the Danube Delta..including the 3 types of herons.
Exploring the Danube Delta with Nearchus NauticTour Mahmudia
Nearchus NauticTour Mahmudia is a leading provider of boat tours in the Danube Delta. The company offers short tours that last 2-4 hours, as well as full-day tours for visitors who want to experience the delta's natural beauty to the fullest. With Nearchus NauticTour Mahmudia, you can explore the delta's waterways, visit its beautiful villages, and discover its rich history and culture.
We offer short (2-4 h) boat tours as well as full-day boat tours in the Danube Delta to all the main beaches and the main touristic attractions in the Danube Delta.
The main resort that we recommend you stay aka the best accommodation in the Danube Delta is at Casa TEO Mahmudia.
You can check out our honest reviews, extracted in real time and un-altered by us in any way below!
Our location / Where we are located in the Danube Delta
You can discover the best tourist attractions in the Danube Delta taking our boat tours that start here:
The reason for our great reviews might be our colleagues, our unique Danube Delta restaurant, where you can eat as much as you want, as well as a combination of the two.
Our reviews
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You can find more information about the types of birds in the Danube Delta HERE, and you might also enjoy this articles:
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Visitors center Danube delta aquarium- The #1 Aquarium in Romania
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Eurasian Spoonbill:The Wading Bird with a Spatula Bill
FAQ
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Who funded the construction of the statue? The statue of Decebalus was privately funded by a Romanian businessman named Iosif Constantin Dragan.
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How long did it take to construct the statue? The construction of the statue of Decebalus took a total of 10 years, from 1994 to 2004.
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Are there any myths or legends associated with the statue? There are no specific myths or legends associated with the statue of Decebalus, but the king himself is often depicted in folklore as a hero and a symbol of resistance against foreign invaders.
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Can tourists climb the statue? No, tourists are not allowed to climb the statue for safety reasons. However, there are viewing platforms and boat tours that allow visitors to get a closer look at the statue.
-
What is the best time of year to visit the statue? The best time of year to visit the statue of Decebalus is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is warm and the Danube River is at its calmest. However, visitors should be aware that the area around the statue can get crowded during peak tourist season.
In conclusion, the statue of Decebalus is a remarkable work of art that has become an iconic symbol of Romanian history and culture. Its historical significance, construction process, symbolism, and impact on Romanian tourism make it a fascinating subject of study. As one of the largest rock sculptures in Europe, it is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and the arts.
The statue of Decebalus serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of King Decebalus and his role in Romanian history, as well as a symbol of the strength and resilience of the Romanian people.